Chester hotel to make way for apartment complex

A HOTEL in Chester will be demolished to make way for two three-storey apartment blocks – despite opposition from neighbours.

Plans for 12 flats and a car park at Latymer House, on Hough Green, were approved by members of Cheshire West and Chester Council's planning committee.

Hough Green Residents’ Association had opposed the development saying it was not in keeping with the character of the area and would lead to a loss of light and privacy for nearby homeowners while creating more noise.

The group also claimed trees would need to be chopped down, affecting the local bird and bat populations, and suggested family homes were needed in Chester more than flats.

However, members agreed with a CWaC planning officer’s recommendation to approve that application and that existing trees would be “satisfactorily integrated” into the development.

His report adds: “Objections have been made on the grounds that the proposed development would increase the amount of noise and disturbance which would be harmful to neighbouring residential amenity.

“It is not necessarily accepted that the noise levels associated with the site would be significantly greater than that associated with a hotel and any increase in noise levels would likely be limited.

“Noise being created would have a residential character and would not likely lead to significant disturbance.

“Noise nuisance created by future residents would be subject to the requirements of the relevant environmental health legislation. The main area of contention is the impact of the development upon the character and appearance of the locality. Whilst there are aspects of the design of the scheme which raise slight concerns, overall it is considered the proposal would not have a detrimental visual impact.”

There were no objections to the plans from the highways or environmental protection departments.

The application was approved, subject to conditions, including installing an adequate drainage system and the preservation of all trees on the site.